Testicle undescended, known as cryptorchidism, affects some newborn boys. In this case, one or both testicles don’t move into the scrotum. Around 3-4% of full-term baby boys and 21% of premature boys are born with this issue.
This issue might fix itself in a few months. But sometimes it needs surgery to move the testicle or testicles. Several things can make this condition more likely, such as being born early, being light at birth, having Down’s syndrome, mothers who smoke during pregnancy, and family history problems.
Doctors find undescended testicles by checking the baby and using tests like ultrasound or MRI. A surgery called orchidopexy moves the undescended testicle into place. It’s best to do this before the child turns 2 to avoid later problems like cancer and not being able to have children.
Stem cell therapy is becoming a new way to treat undescended testicles. It seems to work well in helping the testicles grow and work right.
Key Takeaways:
- Cryptorchidism is common among newborns, affecting about 3-4% of full-term babies and 21% of those born early.
- If undescended testicles don’t move on their own, surgery may be needed.
- Issues that increase the chances of having this condition include early birth, being light when born, Down’s syndrome, smoking during pregnancy, and family history.
- Doctors diagnose this through exams and tests like ultrasound or MRI.
- It’s best to have the surgery before the child turns 2 to avoid long-term problems.
- Stem cell therapy looks very promising in helping the testicles develop and work right in this condition.
Causes and Risk Factors of Undescended Testicle
Undescended testicle, or cryptorchidism, is a complex condition. It is influenced by genes, hormones, and the environment. All three factors are key players in its development.
During fetal growth, the testicles start in the abdomen. They should be in the scrotum by the 8th month of pregnancy. However, in cryptorchidism, this process goes wrong, leading to undescended testicles.
Disorders like androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) can change this. AIS interrupts the way the body makes or reacts to hormones. This then affects the male reproductive system’s development, increasing cryptorchidism risk.
Mothers’ health during pregnancy also matters. Smoking while pregnant makes undescended testicles more likely in babies. Cigarette smoke’s chemicals can throw off needed hormonal balances for the testicles to descend correctly.
Hormones are very important for the male reproductive system’s growth. If the body doesn’t make or respond to these hormones right, the testicles might not drop like they should.
Certain medical conditions and being born early or small add to this risk. Knowing these links helps spot babies who might need extra care or checkups early.
| Causes of Undescended Testicle | Risk Factors for Cryptorchidism | Hormonal Factors in Cryptorchidism |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic disorders (e.g., AIS) | Maternal smoking during pregnancy | Abnormal hormone production or response |
| Premature birth | ||
| Low birth weight | ||
| Medical conditions like Down’s syndrome |
Healthcare workers need to know about cryptorchidism’s causes and risks. This knowledge helps them find babies at higher risk early. Then, they can start the right care early to avoid serious problems later in life.
Stem Cell Therapy for Undescended Testicle
Stem cell therapy is a new hope for treating undescended testicles. Also called cryptorchidism, it can help infants by improving their testicular health. This therapy uses special cells from fat or bone marrow. These cells can turn into germ cells that make sperm.
The idea is to put these stem cells into the missing testicle. Doing this could help it grow and develop like it should. This way is less risky than surgery and might give kids a better future. But we still need to learn more about it.
If undescended testicles are a concern for you or your child, seeing a doctor is a good idea. They can advise if stem cell therapy is a good fit. They’ll offer advice tailored to your situation and weigh the benefits and risks with you.
FAQ
Q: What is an undescended testicle?
A: An undescended testicle is when a newborn boy’s testicle does not drop into the scrotum. This condition is called cryptorchidism.
Q: What are the symptoms of an undescended testicle?
A: Often, there are no visible symptoms. But you might see an empty scrotum, a small or undeveloped scrotum, or feel a testicle in the groin.
Q: How is an undescended testicle diagnosed?
A: A healthcare pro can find it during a physical exam. They might also use tools like ultrasound or MRI to take a closer look.
Q: What are the causes and risk factors of an undescended testicle?
A: The exact causes are not clear, but several things could increase the risk. These include genetic disorders, hormonal issues, being born early or with low weight, Down’s syndrome, and if a mother smokes while pregnant.
Q: What is the recommended treatment for an undescended testicle?
A: Often, the testicle will fix itself within a few months. If it doesn’t, surgery is the usual next step before the child is two. Early treatment is best to avoid any lasting problems.
Q: Can an undescended testicle affect fertility?
A: An undescended testicle can affect a man’s fertility later in life if not treated. It can cause issues with making healthy sperm, which might make it harder to have children.
Q: What is stem cell therapy, and how does it help with an undescended testicle?
A: Stem cell therapy is a new way to treat an undescended testicle. It uses stem cells to try to make the testicle grow and work better. So far, studies show this may help.
Q: Is stem cell therapy a non-invasive alternative to surgery for an undescended testicle?
A: Yes, it is. Stem cell therapy offers a surgery-free way to treat undescended testicles. This new method might be better for children in the long run.
Q: How effective is stem cell therapy for an undescended testicle?
A: Stem cell therapy looks promising but still needs more study. The true benefits and risks are not fully known. Talk to a doctor to see if it’s right for your situation.